POPULAR POSTMASTER

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 90, 13 October 1933, Page 14

POPULAR POSTMASTER

MR. A. N. WALLACE FAREWELLED

LOWER HUTT PRESENTATION

'.The popularity of Mr. A. #.' Wallace, who is relinquishing the position of postmaster at Lower Hutt to accept the position of chief postmaster at Blenheim, was well demonstrated last evening when a large and very representative gathering of Lower Hutt citizens met in the Council Chamber to bid him farewell, lhe popularity is shaved by Mrs. Wallace, who was warmly thanked for her services on various organisations for the social welfare of the borough. The Mayor (Mr. J. W. Andrews), who presided, expressed the deep regret felt by all classes in the community at the approaching departure of Mr. and Mrs. Wallace. Ever since he had known Mrs. Wallace, he said, he had never known her refuse duty on any committee for the social welfare of the town. The departure of Miss Wallace would also be felt, especially in kindergarten circles, where she had done such good service. In regard to Air Wallace he had always been willing "to go the second mile," - and to do a little bit more than was expected of him. During the speaker's term a3 president of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Wallace always gave his loyal support to measures for the good of^the town, and it was 'largely through his energy that success was attained in many or the chamber's enterprises. It was a matter for regret that Mr. W. T. Strand, 'the ex-Mayor, who was absent on' account of ill health, was not present to tell of the great service Mr. Wallace had given on the Mayor's relief committee since its inception. He had never known Mr. Wallace to be absent from a meeting, and when he spoke he had always something to say. In his official position as postmaster, Mr. Wallace had given of his best, and had been an ideal public servant. IDEAL WORK. Mr. T. C. Ward, president of the Chamber of Commerce, outlined the great service Mr. Wallace had rendered to the business community, and expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic way Mr. Wallace had entered into the projects of the chamber for the good of the town. His work as postmaster had been ideal, but his services were not confined to his official duties. Mr. Wallace had given with both hands, and never had to be pressed to undertake any work. If Miv.Wallaqe could have/seen .with what pleasure the citizens contributed' to the token of their esteem he would have realised the place he had won in their hearts. While he _ was to be congratulated on his promotion, his place ia Lower Hutt would be sadly missed. ! The Mayor then presented Mr. Wallace with an illuminated address and a wellfilled wallet. The address reads:— "To A. N. Wallace, Esq.,—The citizens of Lowek- Hutt and environs desire to express to you, on- the occasion of your transfer from the district, their sincere appreciation of the services you have rendered, not only in your official capacity as postmaster, but also as a private citizen, during your residence here. Your interest in all activities' having for their objects the welfare of the district and its residents has been of undoubted help, particularly in matters of a charitable nature. In this connection may be mentioned your association with his Worship the Mayor's Belief Committee. Local Unemployment Committee, Charity Ball,.etc. In congratulating you on your well-earned promotion, we' desire to express our regret at your departure from Lower Hutt, and at the same time extend our best wishes for the future welfare of both Mrs. Wallace and yourself." The address ,is then signed on behalf of the various bodies. In replying, Mr. Wallace said he felt he had done nothing' more than his duty— the duty which the officers of his Department were trained to give. The work he had done had given himself and Mrs. Wallace the very greatest of pleasure, and the friendships they had made had more than compensated* them for anything they had done. He offered his most sincere thanks for the tokens of goodwill.